The Portland daily press., 1887-07-02
JIM PoULDER's MISTAKE.
A Pleasant Story of New Jer-
sey Life.
fIndependent.1
BIT THOMAS DUNN ENGLISH.

independent
A pleasant, balmy day in May. The win
dows of the railway car were open. There
was breeze stirring and though cloud of
dust was blown in, 1t was also blown out,
with the exception of tired portion which
stopped to rest on the clothes of the passen-
gers, OF burrowed for its own safely in their
ears or nOstrils. There were only two va
cant seats in the car, and at Pankehap sta
tion two persons came in to fill them. One
OF these was an old man-on a second look,
he was probably not over so with iron gray
hair, partly covered by Slouched felt hat,
and clad in new suit of gray stuff that
seemed TO have been made for some one else.
With him was young and very pretty girl,
whose dress was of ordinary stuff, but we'll
fitting, and who was we'll gloved and well
shOd.
The observer would set down the two for a
well-to-do farmer and his daughter, who
were travelling for business or pleasure. The
man looked around. The two vacant seats
were on opposite sides of the car. In one of
them sat young, well dressed, and appar-
emily self satisfied gentleman, and the space
by his side was occupied by a handbag of
crocodile leather and a spring overcoat In
the other was anotheryoung man, not quite
so extrayagantly dressed, though neatly clad,
and not as handsome as the first, though he
had an open and intelligent countenance.
The farmer looked around, and, motioning
his daughter to the vacant seat, said
There's place for you, Lucy" Then,
turning to the young man with the satchel,
he asked: ''Seat engaged?"
The young man looked up, curled his lip
superciliously, and said "Man to fill it II be
here presently, dare say"
"Ahv said the farmer, coolly removing
the gripsack and overcoat, and placing them
on the young mans lap; "then I'll occupy it
until he comes" And he seated himself &C
cordingly, while the young man glared at
him.
The one on the other side looked amused
and then, rising, said: "You had better ex-
change seats with me, sir, and then the
young lady and yourself will be together"
THANK you" was the farmers reply; and
the exchange was quietly effected
The two young men were evidently ac-
quainted, for the courteous one said to the
other in low voice; Jim Poulder, you
made mistake there"
Il never make mistakes, Frank Boiling"
replied the other. 81 dare say you'll make
your fortune some of these days by being
polite to the granger population; but my
fortune is already made
The first speaker said nothing more, but
drawing newspaper from his pocket,
opened it and ran his eye over its columns.
Poulder yawned little, and at last said /:
'This is too dull for yours faithfully, James
Poulder. I'll 60 into the smoking car and
take Whit. Have a snifter?" he inquired,
producing pocket flask.
mo, thank you," replied Boiling THAT
staff is rather too fiery for me-
'Here goes alone, then. That's as fine
brandy as ever crossed the ocean. Day-day /!
Keep an eye to my traps, will you? and don't
give up my seat to every country yokel who
asks it,"
The elegant young gentleman shook him
self, and made his way forward to the ear
especially provided for fumigation.
When he had gone the old man leaned over
the arm Of his seat and addressed Boiling
Excuse me sir, but didn't your friend who
has left say that his name was James Poul-
der?"
That's his name, sir" replied the young
man; "but he is not exactly friend of
mine, though we live in the same place, and /
know him very we'll"
''May inquire where he is from?"
Eyes, sir; Careysburg."
''Son of Peter B. Poulder, the great pork
packer there, isn't hep"
Eyes, SIR"
His father should deal with him. 1t
would be quite in his line"
"Oh,. papa" said sweet reproachful
voice, as those near who heard the colloquy
Uttered.
1T is fact, Lucy" rejoined the farmer.
The old man who was evidently intelli-
gent, entered into a general conversation
with the younger, and soon showed that he
was quito well informed. Boiling was glad
of conference so entertaining especially
when, as his eyes were bent in that direc-
tion, he saw the young lady was an interest
cd, and he hoped, pleased listener. There
was something very sweet in the expression
OF her countenance-an inexpressible impress
of modesty and innocence on her features.
They chatted away, and the elder so dexter
ously that the younger never perceived it,
drew out of the other his position, prospects
and intentions.
Boiling was frank by nature, and the ques-
tions Of his interlocutor, who was as ingen-
uous as the other was ingenious, were crafti-
ly put. The sharp granger soon learned that
Frank Boiling had been engaged for some
time In the study Of the law; but that his
father having met with reverses, and hav-
ing two younger daughters to educate, the
young man determined to make his burden
less, and had set out to support himself,
abandoning his law studies, and taking a sit
uation as salesman at country store in
Griffton, thriving town about five miles
from the main line.
Il get but beggarly pay, of course" said
Frank, gayly. Il am only raw hand; but
have promise that, when l am better
qualified, my wages will be increase
'You are rather a singular person, said
the farmer, blufiy. "Most young men
would have talked of their salary"
81 rather prefer the old style of English"
said Boiling. Il am to be hireling; and the
compensation of a hireling is called wages.
But wages or salary-the terms are indiffer-
ent to me-"
my place Is within mile Of Griffton,"
said the old man. II have notion that |
knew your father once. Wasn't he at Har-
yard in his timer"
Eyes, sir, and so was l. We are alumni of
the same school,"
II wonder If he remembers his old chum
there-one George Carter-George st. Leger
Carter. as they have it on the rolls
'Yes. sir; I've heard him speak of him
often, though the two have drifted apart
since then. Judge Carter, you mean. He
lives at Griffton Do you know him?"
''Um! ye-es! After fashion"
"Papaw whispered the young girl; but
Bolling's quick ear caught her words; II
know the judge better than you do"
BE quiet, Puss, will you?" replied her
father in the same tone"
Il am told" resumed the young man, 'that
he has left the BENCH and though quite
wealthy, has gone back to the bar l have a
letter for him which my father, recalling
their youthful friendship, insisted on giving
me but shall not present it,"
why not? He might be of service to
you"
ssCcorealv sir Vou cao 10 am 70 ha N